Clutch disk construction



June 16, 1931. B. LOEFFLER CLUTCH DISK CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 12, 19292 Sheets-Sheet l z. F ,a .w

June 16, 1931. B. LOEFFLER CLUTCH DISK CONSTRUCTION 2 sheets-sheet 2Filed Sept. 12, 1929 *Wagga APatented June 16, 1931 UNITED vsreilasCLUTCH msx ooNsrnUcrIoNf-- The present invention relates to clutches andembodies, more specifically, an improved form of clutch in which theelements thereof are constructed in such manner that a more smooth andeffective engagement is had than in existing constructions. The grabbingof clutch plates, in engagement thereof, is a weli known disadvantage inoperation, such grabbing imposing severe stresses on the mechanism, aswell as resulting in highly uncomfortable 'bperation of motor vehicles.The

friction plates of a clutch are frequently of.

such nature that grabbing is difficult to prevent and the resultingoperation of the clutch highly uncertain and unsatisfactory. With theforegoing in mind, the present invention seeks to provide a clutch diskconstruction which is of such character that a smooth engagement of theelements thereof is insured regardless of the conditions under which theclutch operates.

A11 object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a clutchconstruction which-iinu sures smooth engagement of the disks thereof.

A further object of the invention is toV provide a clutch diskconstruction of the above character, the parts of which are simple inconstruction and easily manufactured.

Further objects, not specically enumerated above, will be apparent as`the invention is described in greater detail in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a clutch diskconstructed in accordance with the present invention. Y

Figure 2 is a view in section, taken on the line 2--2 of Figure 1, andlooking in the di rection of the arrows.

. Figure 3 is a segmental plan view showing a clutch'constructed inaccordance with the present invention but in a modified form from thatshown in Figures l and 2. Figure 4 is aview in section, taken on theline 4 of Figure 3, and looking in the direction of the arrows. I v

Figure 5 is asegmental plan view showing i astillfurther modifiedform-of disk construction.

nan-No LOEFFLER, or PLAINFIELD, NnwfJn'nsnm-,A'ssrenonz'ro"IivTEnirIoNii Moron ooMrANY, or NEW Yoan, N.

liney (S4-dof Figurev 5 and lookingain ,the rectionfof thearrows. iFiguref?y -sa view insection, take onthe. linef7jk7 of Figure, andlookingin 'h ,ed' rection of the arrows. 'i

Figure 8 is a segmental 'plan viewof astill-` further modified form ofjthe,invention.v A Figure9is a yiewin-section, taken o n the; line94A-910i' ,Figure- 8, and lookinginthe'fdi-Pg rection of the arrows.

V"Referring'to the above drawings, particu? larly Figures 1 and 2, adesignatesan annular A spider which is adaptedto be connectedto one l'ofthe movable elements of the ,clutchfand;y carries 'an annulary plate-af.@This fV-platejfis,r BQ, preferably formed of spring materiali-infor?,der that projecting portions, described here`V inafterkmay have thedesired yielding quality. UPQH QPPO'Ste ,Sides 0f the rlabwtff'rctionfdisks b are mounted, these:disksbeingfsecured; 7.9 to the plate a', byrivets b. 3

At spaced intervalsaround theidi y s-an` plate, and in the `'plagnethereof,groovesq fare; stamped. Thesegrooves, iny Figuresif1;.-ar1d=2j,-;,y v areshown as beinggenerally Vfshapedg'lcav` '(6 ingasimilarly shaped projectingfportion: ,l which is pressed outwardly,,asshowninFig-j In operation, the projecting portions c 8.5;:

first engage the adjacent clutch plates which are forced into engagementwith the disks and an initial drag results which becomes, greater andgreater as the pressure upon the plates increases. Thus, the engagementis 995'-,

effected gradually and increases om a minimum to a maximum at the timeof complete locking ofthe elements 1of the clutch when the plates are inengagement withthe disks b.

In thecnstruction shown in Figures 3 and 9.5;;

4, the plate a" is formed with pairs ofin verted V-shaped slots d whichare spaced back to back, thus forming oppositely extending V-shapedprojections a3. One of the projections is bent outwardly upon one side Vof the plate a' and the vother is bent outwardl on the other side of theplate, as clearly o wn in F' '4. The characteristics attributed to t eeonstructionshown in .Fig-

ures 1 and 2, are presentin this construction as will be evident upon abrief inspection thereof. A

In the construction shown in Fi res 5, 6 and 7, slots e, similar in formto t e slots c, are formed in the late a', the axes of the slotslyinggenerally in radial directions with respect to the axis of theplate a. Altornate projectin 'portions e formed by the slots e extenV inopposite'directions to u distribute evenly the engaging pressure oftheprojecting portions e in radial direc- -tions with respect tothevdisks. Additionally, alternate projecting portions eproject uponopposite sides of the plate a' in order that both sides ofthe disks maybe engaged with equal effect.

4 In vthe'construction shown in Figures 8 and 9, the slots are similarto those shown in Figures 5,6 and 7, with the exception that ftheprojecting portionse' formed thereby, all

project inwardly.

. While the invention has been described with specific vreference tothepconstruction shown in the acompanying drawings, it is' o not vto belimited, save as defined in the appended claims.

'Wllat-Iclaim is: Y v 1. In a clutch construction, an annular plate,friction members secured to the plate 35 atoppote sides thereof, andresilient rtions stamped out of the plate and mem rs and projecting ontofthe planes thereof, said resih' ent rtions projectin upon o 'te sidesof tg: plate. g

2. In a clutch construction, an annular plate, annular friction memberssecured to the plate at opposite sides thereof, 'and yielding meansAformed by slotted portions of the plate and members to cause a portionof the a members to .project out' of the planes of the members. f A

cationsi edthi'sthda'of swims.. fg y, BRUNO LOEFFLER.

an Y-

